Easy Open Package with Discrete Laminate with Die-Cut

ABSTRACT

An easy-open package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a base strip and a panel section having a die cut, the panel section sealed to the base strip; at least one of the base strip and the panel section anchored to a first side panel; and a product in the pouch.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/279,555, filed Oct. 22, 2009, that application incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an easy-open package with a discrete laminate with a die-cut, and to methods of making the package.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food and non-food products, including produce, snack foods, cheese, meat, and the like have long been packaged in containers such as pouches, bags, or lidded trays or formed webs made from various thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (PET). These containers can be formed from a web or webs of thermoplastic material on packaging equipment, using various packaging processes, at a processing/packaging facility. Such equipment and processes includes horizontal form/fill/seal (HFFS), vertical form/fill/seal (VFFS), thermoforming/lidstock, and continuous horizontal packaging (sometimes referred to as Flow-wrap). In each case, the product is manually or automatically placed in a pouch, bag, formed web, tray, etc., the filled container is optionally vacuumized or gas flushed, and the mouth of the container is hermetically or non-hermetically sealed to close and finish the package.

Opening of the finished package (i.e. opening with the use of tools such as scissors or knives) can provide access to the product by the consumer.

Common in the industry is the use of plastic zipper closures; press-to-close or slide zippers; interlocking closures; reclosable fasteners with interlockable fastener elements; interlocking rib and groove elements having male and female profiles; interlocking alternating hook-shaped closure members, and the like. These terms appear in the patent literature, and to some extent may overlap in meaning. These features in some cases may provide an easy-open feature to the package.

There is need in the marketplace for a package, and methods of packaging that can be used in a manner that requires little or no modification to the packager's packaging equipment, while providing a manually (i.e. by hand, without the need for tools such as scissors or knives) openable feature, optionally while maintaining hermeticity of the package when made, and without the use of plastic zipper closures; press-to-close or slide zippers; interlocking closures; reclosable fasteners with interlockable fastener elements; interlocking rib and groove elements having male and female profiles; interlocking alternating hook-shaped closure members, and the like.

Some retail packages currently do not offer an easy-open feature. Examples are some produce bags and snack food bags. In the produce market, there is a need for a cost-effective way to manually open retail produce bags, e.g. a package made in HFFS, VFFS, thermoforming/lidstock, or continuous horizontal packaging processes.

The present invention relates to a package, and methods of making the package, which package is manually openable, and adapted to package non-food products, as well as food products such as e.g. produce, snack foods, cheese, meat, luncheon meat, sausage, culinary nuts, trail mix, etc. The package optionally maintains a hermetic seal until the package is opened.

There is also a need in the marketplace for a discrete laminate that can be anchored to a processor's packaging material of choice to provide easy-open functionality to a package made from that web/laminate combination with only relatively minor modifications to the processor's packaging material, packaging process or equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Statement of Invention/Embodiments of the Invention

In a first aspect, an easy-open package comprises: a pouch comprising

-   -   a first and second side panel each comprising an outer and inner         surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second         end, the first and second side panels joined together along         their respective first and second side edges with a seal;     -   a first end;     -   a second end defined by the second ends of the first and second         side panels respectively; and     -   a discrete laminate having a first and second end, the discrete         laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant,         -   wherein             -   a first portion of the first surface of the base strip                 is sealed to a first part of the inner surface of the                 panel section,             -   the first end of the panel section is joined to the                 second side panel,             -   the panel section and the second side panel are joined                 together along their respective first and second side                 edges with a seal,             -   the first end of the panel section extends beyond the                 first end of the base strip, and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;             -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel                 section is anchored to     -   the first side panel; and     -   a product disposed in the pouch.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the first aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of -   the first side panel, and a second part of the inner surface of the     panel section is anchored to the outer surface of the first side     panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second     side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In a second aspect, an easy-open package comprises a pouch comprising a folded web comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a first edge and a second edge,

-   -   a first transverse seal at a first end of the folded web,     -   a second transverse seal at a second end of the folded web, and     -   a longitudinal seal extending along the length of the folded         web;     -   a discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, each of             the first and second surfaces comprising a sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first             part of the inner surface of the panel section; and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;         -   wherein the discrete laminate is sealed at the longitudinal             seal to the folded web;         -   wherein the first end of the panel section extends beyond             the first end of the base strip; and         -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel section             is anchored to the interior surface of the folded web; and     -   a product disposed in the pouch.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the second aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprising an easy-open     sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the interior surface of the folded web. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the interior surface of the folded web. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the interior surface of the folded web, and a second part of the     inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the exterior     surface of the folded web. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the exterior surface of the folded web. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the exterior surface of the folded web. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section.

the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to 5 pounds/inch.

In a third aspect, a method of making an easy-open package in a horizontal form/fill/seal process comprises

-   -   providing a lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface;     -   providing a discrete laminate having a first and second end, the         discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first             part of the inner surface of the panel section, and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;     -   advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the         lay-flat web to a folded web;     -   advancing the discrete laminate such that when the package is         made, the discrete laminate is part of the package;     -   making side seals in the folded web and the discrete laminate;     -   cutting the folded web and the discrete laminate to produce an         open pouch comprising         -   a first and second side panel each comprising an outer and             inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and             second end, the first and second side panels joined together             along their respective first and second side edges by a             seal, the panel section and second side panel joined along             their respective first and second side edges by a seal, the             first end of the panel section joined to the second side             panel, and the first end of the panel section extending             beyond the first end of the base strip;     -   putting a product in the open pouch; and     -   sealing a first end of the pouch to close the pouch;     -   wherein, at any time before or during putting a product in the         open pouch, at least one of the base strip and the panel section         is anchored to the lay-flat web, the folded web, or the first         side panel.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the third aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second     side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In a fourth aspect, a method of making an easy-open package in a horizontal form/fill/seal process comprises

-   -   providing a lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface;     -   providing a discrete laminate having a first and second end, the         discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first             part of the inner surface of the panel section, and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;     -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel section is         anchored to the lay-flat web;     -   advancing the lay-flat web with the discrete laminate to a         forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a folded web;     -   making side seals in the folded web and the discrete laminate;     -   cutting the folded web and the discrete laminate to produce an         open pouch comprising a first and second side panel each         comprising an outer and inner surface, first and second side         edges, and a first and second end, the first and second side         panels joined together along their respective first and second         side edges by a seal, the panel section and second side panel         joined along their respective first and second side edges by a         seal, the first end of the panel section joined to the second         side panel, the first end of the panel section extending beyond         the first end of the base strip, and at least one of the base         strip and the panel section anchored to the first side panel;     -   putting a product in the open pouch; and     -   sealing a first end of the pouch to close the pouch.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second     side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In a fifth aspect, a method of making an easy-open package in a vertical form/fill/seal process comprises

-   -   providing a lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface;     -   providing a discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first             part of the inner surface of the panel section, and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section; advancing the             lay-flat web over a forming device to convert the lay-flat             web to a folded web;     -   advancing the discrete laminate such that when the package is         made, the discrete laminate is part of the package;     -   making a longitudinal seal in the folded web and the discrete         laminate;     -   transversely sealing the folded web and the discrete laminate to         produce a first transverse seal to define a first pouch, wherein         the first transverse seal is a bottom transverse seal of the         first pouch;     -   putting a product in the first pouch;     -   advancing the folded web and the discrete laminate, with the         first pouch, downward a predetermined distance;     -   transversely sealing the first pouch to produce a top transverse         seal in the first pouch, and a bottom transverse seal in a         second pouch, the second pouch disposed above the first pouch;         and     -   transversely cutting the folded web and the discrete laminate to         separate the first pouch from the second pouch to make a         package, the package comprising a first and second side panel         each comprising an outer and inner surface, first and second         side edges, and a first and second end, the first and second         side panels joined together along their respective first and         second side edges, the panel section and second side panel         joined along their respective first and second side edges, and         the first end of the panel section extending beyond the first         end of the base strip; at least one of the base strip and the         panel section anchored to the first side panel;     -   wherein, at any time before or during the step of making the         longitudinal seal, at least one of the base strip and the panel         section is anchored to the lay-flat web or the folded web.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second     side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In a sixth aspect, a method of making an easy-open package in a vertical form/fill/seal process comprises

-   -   providing a lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface;     -   providing a discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to the             inner surface of the panel section, and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;             -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel                 sections anchored to the lay-flat web;     -   advancing the lay-flat web with the discrete laminate over a         forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a folded web;     -   making a longitudinal seal in the folded web and the discrete         laminate;     -   transversely sealing the folded web and the discrete laminate to         produce a first transverse seal to define a first pouch, wherein         the first transverse seal is a bottom transverse seal of the         first pouch;     -   putting a product in the first pouch;     -   advancing the folded web and the discrete laminate, with the         first pouch, downward a predetermined distance;     -   transversely sealing the first pouch to produce a top transverse         seal in the first pouch, and a bottom transverse seal in a         second pouch, the second pouch disposed above the first pouch;         and     -   transversely cutting the folded web and discrete laminate to         separate the first pouch from the second pouch to make a         package, the package comprising a first and second side panel         each comprising an outer and inner surface, first and second         side edges, and a first and second end, the first and second         side panels joined together along their respective first and         second side edges, the panel section and second side panel         joined along their respective first and second side edges, and         the first end of the panel section extending beyond the first         end of the base strip; at least one of the base strip and the         panel section anchored to the first side panel.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second     side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In a seventh aspect, a method of making an easy-open package having a formed web comprises

-   -   providing a formed web having a first and second end, and a         product cavity;     -   providing a product;     -   providing a lidstock, having a first and second end, comprising         -   a lay-flat web comprising an outer and inner surface, and         -   a discrete laminate comprising             -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a                 first and second side edge, and a first and second end,                 the first and second surfaces of the base strip each                 comprising a sealant,             -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a                 first and second side edge, and a first and second end,                 the inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first                 portion of the first surface of the base strip is sealed                 to the inner surface of the panel section, the first end                 of the panel section extending beyond the first end of                 the base strip; and             -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;     -   placing the product in the product cavity;     -   sealing the inner surface of the lidstock to the formed web; and     -   cutting the lidstock and formed web to make the package,     -   wherein, at any time before or during the step of sealing the         inner surface of the lidstock to the formed web, at least one of         the base strip and the panel section is anchored to the lay-flat         web.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the seventh aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the lay-flat web. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the lay-flat web. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the lay-flat web, and a second part of the     inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer surface     of the lay-flat web. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the lay-flat web. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the lay-flat web. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In an eighth aspect, a method of making an easy-open package having a formed web comprises

-   -   providing a formed web having a first and second end, and a         product cavity;     -   providing a product;     -   providing a lidstock, having a first and second end, comprising         -   a lay-flat web comprising an outer and inner surface, and         -   a discrete laminate comprising             -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a                 first and second side edge, and a first and second end,                 the first and second surfaces of the base strip each                 comprising a sealant,             -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a                 first and second side edge, and a first and second end,                 the inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first                 portion of the first surface of the base strip is sealed                 to the inner surface of the panel section, the first end                 of the panel section extending beyond the first end of                 the base strip; and             -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;             -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel                 section is anchored to the lay-flat web;     -   placing the product in the product cavity;     -   sealing the lidstock to the inner surface of the formed web; and     -   cutting the lidstock and formed web to make the package.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the eighth aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the lay-flat web. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the lay-flat web. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the lay-flat web, and a second part of the     inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer surface     of the lay-flat web. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the lay-flat web. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the lay-flat web. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In a ninth aspect, a method of making an easy-open package in a continuous horizontal packaging process comprises

-   -   providing a lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface;     -   providing a discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first             part of the inner surface of the panel section, and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;

-   advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the     lay-flat web to a folded web having an inner surface;

-   advancing the discrete laminate such that when the package is made,     the discrete laminate is part of the package;

-   advancing a product to the forming device such that the folded web     and the discrete laminate envelope the product;     -   making a longitudinal seal in the folded web and the discrete         laminate;     -   transversely sealing the folded web and the discrete laminate,         with the product therein, to produce a leading transverse seal         to define a first pouch;     -   advancing the folded web and the discrete laminate, with the         leading transverse seal, forward a predetermined distance;     -   transversely sealing the first pouch to produce a trailing         transverse seal in the first pouch, and a leading transverse         seal in a second pouch, the second pouch disposed upstream of         the first pouch; and     -   transversely cutting the folded web and the discrete laminate to         separate the first pouch from the second pouch to make a         package, the package comprising a first and second side panel         each comprising an outer and inner surface, first and second         side edges, and a first and second end, the first and second         side panels joined together along their respective first and         second side edges, the panel section and second side panel         joined along their respective first and second side edges, and         the first end of the panel section extending beyond the first         end of the base strip; the discrete laminate anchored to the         first side panel;     -   wherein, at any time before or during the step of making the         longitudinal seal, at least one of the base strip and the panel         sections anchored to the lay-flat web or the folded web.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the ninth aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second     side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In a tenth aspect, a method of making an easy-open package in a continuous horizontal packaging process comprises

-   -   providing a lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface;     -   providing a discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first             part of the inner surface of the panel section, and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section;         -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel section             is anchored to the lay-flat web;     -   advancing the lay-flat web with the discrete laminate to a         forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a folded web         having an inner surface;     -   advancing a product to the forming device such that the folded         web and the discrete laminate envelope the product;     -   making a longitudinal seal in the folded web and the discrete         laminate; transversely sealing the folded web and the discrete         laminate, with the product therein, to produce a leading         transverse seal to define a first pouch;     -   advancing the folded web and the discrete laminate, with the         leading transverse seal, forward a predetermined distance;     -   transversely sealing the first pouch to produce a trailing         transverse seal in the first pouch, and a leading transverse         seal in a second pouch, the second pouch disposed upstream of         the first pouch; and     -   transversely cutting the folded web and the discrete laminate to         separate the first pouch from the second pouch to make a         package, the package comprising a first and second side panel         each comprising an outer and inner surface, first and second         side edges, and a first and second end, the first and second         side panels joined together along their respective first and         second side edges, the panel section and second side panel         joined along their respective first and second side edges, and         the first end of the panel section extending beyond the first         end of the base strip; the discrete laminate anchored to the         first side panel.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the tenth aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second     side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the package is absent any zipper. -   the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base     strip and the panel section. -   the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to     5 pounds/inch.

In an eleventh aspect, a pouch comprises

-   -   a first and second side panel each comprising an outer and inner         surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second         end, the first and second side panels joined together along         their respective first and second side edges with a seal;     -   a first end;     -   a second end defined by the second ends of the first and second         side panels respectively; and     -   a discrete laminate having a first and second end, the discrete         laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein             -   a first portion of the first surface of the base strip                 is sealed to a first part of the inner surface of the                 panel section,             -   the panel section and the second side panel are joined                 together along their respective first and second side                 edges with a seal; and             -   the first end of the panel section extends beyond the                 first end of the base strip; and         -   a die cut disposed in the panel section; and     -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel section is         anchored to the first side panel, and the second surface of the         base strip is sealed to the inner surface of the second side         panel.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the eleventh aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant, -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a seal. -   the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the     second side panel, are joined together with a fold. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the pouch, and a package made from the pouch, is absent any zipper. -   the pouch, and a package made from the pouch, is absent a     repositionable adhesive between the base strip and the panel     section. -   a package made from the pouch can be opened with a peel force of     from 25 grams/inch to 5 pounds/inch.

In a twelfth aspect, a method of making a bag with a discrete laminate disposed thereon comprises

-   -   extruding a thermoplastic tube to make a bag tubing;     -   providing a discrete laminate having a first and second end, the         discrete laminate comprising         -   a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first             and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first             and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a             sealant,         -   a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a             first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the             inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion             of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first             part of the inner surface of the panel section, and             -   a die cut disposed in the panel section,     -   slitting the tubing at a longitudinal edge thereof to make a         slit bag tubing; anchoring at least one of the base strip and         the panel section to the slit bag tubing; and     -   transversely cutting and sealing the slit bag tubing at         predetermined intervals to make a plurality of individual bags         each with the discrete laminate disposed thereon, each bag         comprising a first and second side panel each comprising an         outer and inner surface, first and second side edges, and a         first and second end, the first and second side panels joined         together along their respective first and second side edges by a         seal, a first end defined by the first ends of the first and         second side panels respectively, an end fold defined by the         second ends of the first and second side panels respectively,         and the first end of the panel section extending beyond the         first end of the base strip;     -   wherein at any time before or during the step of slitting the         bag tubing, the first portion of the first surface of the base         strip is sealed to a part of the inner surface of the panel         section; and     -   wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel sections         anchored to the first side panel.

Optionally, according to various embodiments of the twelfth aspect of the invention:

-   the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open     sealant. -   the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second     portion of the die cut is a score. -   the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant. -   the outer surface of the panel section comprises a sealant. -   a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored     to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of     the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer     surface of the first side panel. -   a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored     to the outer surface of the first side panel. -   the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of     the panel section. -   the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of     the base strip. -   the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second     end of the base strip. -   the die cut is a closed loop. -   the bag, and a package made from the bag, is absent any zipper. -   the bag, and a package made from the bag, is absent a repositionable     adhesive between the base strip and the panel section. -   a package made from the bag can be opened with a peel force of from     25 grams/inch to 5 pounds/inch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by reference to the following drawing figures, encompassing different views of various embodiments of the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a package;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the package of FIG. 1, viewed along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the package of FIG. 1, viewed along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 an enlarged view of a portion of the package of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a base strip;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a base strip according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a HFFS process and apparatus for making a package;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a HFFS process and apparatus for making a package according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a section of folded web;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a section of a gusseted folded web;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a VFFS process and apparatus for making a package;

FIG. 11 an elevational view of a VFFS process and apparatus for making a package according to another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a roll of lay-flat web and a roll of a discrete laminate;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a roll of lay-flat web and a discrete laminate according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a discrete laminate;

FIG. 15 is a view of a discrete laminate and a portion of a lay-flat web taken along lines 15-15 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of two consecutive pouches in a VFFS embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a folded web for use in the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a folded web for use in the invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a tray for use in connection with the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a package;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 20 in an opened condition;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a lidstock;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a lidstock according to another embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an apparatus and process for making a discrete laminate;

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of a continuous horizontal packaging process and apparatus for making a package;

FIG. 26 is a front end view of the apparatus of FIG. 25, viewed along lines 26-26 of FIG. 25;

FIGS. 27A, 27B, and 27C are each cross-sectional views of a portion of the package, showing a sequence for opening the package;

FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 28C are each plan views of the package, showing a sequence for opening the package;

FIG. 28D is an enlarged view of a portion of the package of FIG. 28C;

FIGS. 29A, 29B, 29C, 29D, 29E, and 29F are each a plan view of alternative embodiments;

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a perspective, blown-up view of the discrete laminate;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of the discrete laminate;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 34 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 33, viewed along lines 34-34 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment.

DEFINITIONS

“Anchored”, “anchoring” and the like herein refers to sealing or adhering two surfaces together, and refers to the resulting bond between surfaces. Sealing is done by means of a sealant. Adhering is done by means of an adhesive.

In processes described herein where a discrete laminate is anchored to a web or side panel, either during the process wherein the web and discrete laminate are advanced, or when a discrete laminate has been pre-anchored to the web before the start of the process, anchoring can be done by use of any suitable continuous or discontinuous sealing or adhesive material and method. Such anchoring is done to hold the discrete laminate to the web or panel during the relevant packaging process.

In some embodiments, wherein the anchor is already relatively strong or continuous, e.g. a heat seal that constitutes either a relatively strong heat seal, or an easy-open seal as defined herein, the anchor functions not only to hold the discrete laminate to the web or panel during the relevant packaging process, but also as a final seal of that surface of the discrete laminate to the web (lay-flat or folded) or panel made from the web.

Any subsequent disclosed or recited step in the process of sealing one of the surfaces (i.e. the anchored surface) of the discrete laminate to a web or panel, is already completed by the anchoring step. In these embodiments, then, contact of a seal device, e.g. a seal bar in the region of the anchor, in a subsequent step, may in some embodiments add no further or separate seal to that surface of the discrete laminate.

Any subsequent step in the process of sealing the other surface of the discrete laminate to a web or panel, then, may in some embodiments add no further or separate seal to the anchored surface of the discrete laminate.

In some embodiments where the bond is a relatively weak or discontinuous one, e.g. a discontinuous seal, spots or narrow stripes of adhesive. etc., in a subsequent step of sealing one of the surfaces of the discrete laminate to the web or panel, a seal bar that seals one of the surfaces of the discrete laminate to the web or panel can contact the web or panel in the region where the anchor is already disposed. The seal in that region may be either enhanced, or initially created, by the subsequent sealing step.

Sealing of a surface of the discrete laminate to a web or panel, as a process step disclosed or recited herein, should be understood in this light.

“Close-looped” herein refers to a die cut that defines a closed pattern or path in the panel section whereby the web material within the path (the die-cut segment) can be removed from the panel.

“Die cut” herein refers to methods of cutting or scoring materials, including rotary die, steel rule die, platen die cutting, and laser cutting or scoring, and/or the resultant cut or score. A die cut can extend entirely through the relevant layer or web (defining a through-cut) or can extend partially through the relevant layer or web (defining a score), thus leaving intact a certain amount of material. A given die cut can in one embodiment be a combination of a through-cut and a score. The depth of the cut can vary from package to package, and within a single die cut on a given package.

“Die-cut segment” herein refers to a portion of the panel section that can be displaced or completely removed because of the presence of a closed loop or open loop die cut. The die-cut segment is a piece of the panel section, and when displaced or removed can sometimes function as a tamper evidence device, and facilitates access to the interior of the package.

“Discrete” with respect to the discrete laminate is used herein to mean independently made (the discrete laminate is not an integral part of the web when the web is made,) or constituting a separate entity from the web, and from a first or second side panel made from the web.

“Easy-open” herein refers to a package that can be manually opened relatively easily. The physical mode of opening may include a) actual peeling at the base strip/web interface (adhesive failure), or b) a sealant layer of the base strip breaking completely through, and peeling then occurring between the sealant layer and an adjacent layer within the strip (delamination failure), or c) breaking within a sealant layer by rupturing of the sealant material itself (cohesive failure). The peel force required to open the package can be measured by an evaluation of seal strength or peel strength in accordance with the test procedure set out in ASTM F88, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, using a crosshead speed of 8 to 12 inches/minute and an initial jaw gap of from 1.00 inch to 2.00 inch. Typical peel forces for opening the package of the invention can range from e.g. 25 grams/inch to 3 pounds/inch, e.g. from 100 grams/inch to 2 pounds/inch, such as from 200 grams/inch to 1.5 pounds/inch. In some cases, the sealant may actually peel away from the surface to which it is adhered (adhesive failure), or breakage of the sealant and delamination along an adjacent layer interface may occur (delamination failure) or a rupture of the sealant can occur (cohesive failure). Depending on the design and geometry of the seal, peel forces can in some embodiments be higher than 3 pounds/inch, e.g. 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or 5 pounds/inch, or values intermediate these values.

“Easy-open seal” herein refers to a seal involving the base strip and web in which materials and sealing conditions are chosen for the base strip and web such that the package is easy-open with a physical mode of opening of adhesive failure, delamination failure, or cohesive failure as described herein. An easy-open sealant can be used to provide the easy-open seal. Where the easy-open sealant is a removable adhesive, the easy-open seal mechanism is a form of “adhesive failure” discussed further below.

“Easy-open sealant” herein refers to a material chosen for one or both surfaces of the base strip and/or panel section, such that when such surface is sealed to another surface, e.g. the surface of a web, strip or panel section, it provides a package that is easy-open with a physical mode of opening of adhesive failure, delamination failure, or cohesive failure as described herein. The material can be a polymer or polymer blend that e.g. is extruded as an external layer of a strip or panel section. Alternatively, the material can be a removable adhesive, such as certain PSA materials, that is coated on at least a portion of a surface of a web, strip or panel section.

“Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer” (EAO) herein refers to copolymers of ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from C₃ to C₁₀ alpha-olefins such as propene, butene-1, hexene-1, octene-1, etc. EAO includes heterogeneous materials such as linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and very low and ultra low density polyethylene (VLDPE and ULDPE); single-site catalyzed materials such as homogeneous linear ethylene/alpha olefin copolymers and long chain branched ethylene/alpha olefin copolymers; and multicomponent ethylene/alpha-olefin interpenetrating network resin (or “IPN resin”).

“Ethylene homopolymer or copolymer” herein refers to polyethylene (PE) such as ethylene homopolymer such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE); ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer such as those defined herein; ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA); ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymer such as ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) or ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymer (EEA), or ethylene/butyl acrylate copolymer (EBA); ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer; or ionomer resin (IO).

“Fig.” and the like herein refers to a drawing figure; “Figs.” and the like herein to drawing figures.

“Film” is used herein to mean a thermoplastic film, laminate, or web, either multi-layer or monolayer, that may be used in connection with the present invention. Film can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. between 0.1 and 30 mils.

“Fin seal” is used herein to mean, in the case of a single web, folding one edge of the web towards the opposite edge of the web, and sealing the facing inner surfaces together. In the case of two webs, a fin seal is a seal formed by sealing the inner surface of the edge of one web to the inner surface of a corresponding edge of another web.

“Lap seal” is used herein to mean a seal made by sealing an inside surface of a web to an outside surface of a web. The inside and outside surfaces can both be on a single web; or the inside surface can be of one web, and the outside surface of a second web.

“Lidstock” herein refers to a film used to cover a container or tray that carries a product, and can be sealed to the tray, typically as a perimeter heat seal. Lidstock typically is supplied to a food processor in a lay flat film rolled onto a roll.

“Longitudinal seal” herein refers to a fin seal or lap seal.

“Near” herein means, with respect to the position of the discrete laminate in relation to the package, that the edge of the base strip of the discrete laminate closest to the first end of the pouch and package will be typically within about three inches of the first end of the pouch. The strip 10 can be closer than this, such as within about two inches, one inch, 0.75 inches, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 inches of the first end of the pouch.

“Olefinic” and the like herein refers to a polymer or copolymer derived at least in part from an olefinic monomer.

“Oxygen barrier” and the like herein refers to materials having an oxygen permeability, of the barrier material, less than 500 cm³ O₂/m²·day·atmosphere (tested at 1 mil thick and at 25° C., 0% RH according to ASTM D3985), such as less than 100, less than 50, less than 25, less than 10, less than 5, and less than 1 cm³ O₂/m²·day·atmosphere. Examples of polymeric materials useful as oxygen barrier materials are ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinylidene dichloride (PVDC), vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymer, vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymer, polyamide (nylon), and polyester (PET).

“Pouch” herein means a pouch or bag.

“Polymer” and the like herein means a homopolymer, but also a copolymer thereof, including terpolymer, tetrapolymer, block copolymer, etc.

“Repositionable adhesive” as used herein refers to an adhesive, such as certain pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) that bond firmly with the application of light pressure; can be easily removed; and can be repositioned and reused multiple times, i.e. it can be adhered to a surface, removed, and reapplied to a surface with substantial adhesive capability. It adheres to most surfaces with very slight pressure; is available in solvent, latex or water based forms, and hot melt forms, and is often based on non-crosslinked rubber adhesives, acrylics, or polyurethanes. PSA forms viscoelastic bonds that are aggressively and permanently tacky; adhere without the need for more than hand pressure; and require no activation by water, solvent, or heat. Some PSA materials are cured by hot air, electron beam, UV, or chemical (peroxide) means. They are available in a wide variety of chemical compositions and systems including acrylic and methacrylate adhesives, emulsion-based acrylic adhesive; rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive, styrene copolymers (styrene/isoprene/styrene and styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymers), and silicones. PSA herein can include hot melt adhesives. A hot melt adhesive is a thermoplastic adhesive compound, usually solid or highly viscous at room temperature which becomes more fluid on heating for application. Repositionable adhesive as used herein is not a removable adhesive as used herein.

“Registration device” herein refers to any mark, pattern, die cut or feature of a web or discrete laminate, that facilitates the advancement of the web or discrete laminate, or a component thereof, in a controlled manner, into a packaging machine, where the web and/or discrete laminate is used to make individual packages. The device can be e.g. printed or placed in uniformly spaced fashion along or near an edge of the web or discrete laminate, i.e. registration marks, or in an area near the middle of a web that does not interfere with decorative printed graphics. These marks are used in connection with appropriate sensors to controllably advance the web or discrete laminate. Where die cuts are used as a registration device, detected by sensors, it may not be necessary to print registration marks on the web or discrete laminate.

“Removable adhesive” herein refers to an adhesive which exhibits a low initial peel strength to allow for easy removal of the web or strip after it has been stuck to the desired surface, with no substantial residual adhesive capability once it has been removed. Removable adhesive can be used to make an easy-open seal as disclosed herein. A surface comprising a removable adhesive can comprise at least a portion of that surface with a removable adhesive thereon wherein another portion of that surface optionally does not comprises a removable adhesive.

Removable adhesive as used herein is not a repositionable adhesive.

“Seal” herein means a bond between two thermoplastic surfaces, e.g. as produced by heat sealing, radio frequency (RF) sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or permanent adhesive.

“Sealant” is a polymeric material or blend of materials, such as olefinic polymer or copolymer such as an ethylenic polymer or copolymer, that can form a surface of the base strip or panel section of the invention, or a web to which the base strip or panel section is sealed, and form a bond between two thermoplastic surfaces. A permanent adhesive can also be a sealant. “Sealant” herein, with respect to the base strip or panel section, or a web to which the base strip or panel section is adhered, excludes a repositionable adhesive. A surface comprising a sealant can comprise in one embodiment at least a portion of that surface with a sealant therein or thereon (polymer or permanent adhesive) wherein another portion of that surface optionally does not comprise a sealant.

“Strip” and “panel section” herein refers to an elongate piece of thermoplastic material, typically longer in a first direction than in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, e.g. rectangular; but can also be square, round, oblong, elliptical, or any appropriate shape in plan view. The strip and panel section can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. between 0.1 and 30 mils.

“Tamper evidence”, “tampering”, and the like herein refers to visual evidence of a breach in a package; i.e. that someone has accidentally or intentionally opened or partially opened the package, or attempted to do so.

“Thermoplastic” herein includes plastic materials that when heated to a softening or melting point may be reshaped without significant thermal degradation (burning). Thermoplastic includes both materials that are not crosslinked, or that are crosslinked by chemical or radiation means.

“Tray” herein refers to a formed member that has a tray bottom, tray sides, and a tray flange around the upper perimeter of the tray, where the tray bottom and tray sides form an internal cavity within which a product can be placed. The cavity can be enclosed by a lidstock sealed to the tray flange.

“Web” is used herein to mean a thermoplastic film, laminate, or web, either multilayer or monolayer, that may be used in connection with the present invention. The web can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. between 0.1 and 30 mils, and the web can be of any suitable length and width.

“Zipper” and the like herein refers to a plastic zipper closure; press-to-close or slide zipper; interlocking closure; reclosable fastener with interlockable fastener elements; interlocking rib and groove elements having male and female profiles; interlocking alternating hook-shaped closure, and the like.

All compositional percentages used herein are presented on a “by weight” basis, unless designated otherwise.

Drawings herein are not necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention may be graphically exaggerated for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. Package

Referring to the drawings, a package 5 according to the invention is shown.

Package 5 includes a pouch 7 that can be made from either a single web, or two webs, to form a first side panel 12, and a second side panel 14.

A. Web(s)

In either embodiment, the web or webs comprises a thermoplastic material of any suitable composition, including those having as at least one component olefinic materials such as ethylene or propylene polymers or copolymers, e.g. polyethylene or ethylene/alpha olefin copolymers; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and including webs typically used in, or useful in, HFFS, VFFS, lidstock/tray, continuous horizontal packaging, and bag making apparatus and processes. The web or webs can be monolayer or multilayer in construction, can be coextruded, laminated, or made by any suitable film making process, and can have any suitable thickness.

Examples of web(s) that can be used with a discrete laminate of the invention include H7225B™, a barrier hybrid material used for products requiring a high oxygen barrier, such as shredded cheese; H7525B™, a barrier hybrid material used for products requiring a high oxygen barrier, such as bacon and smoked and processed meat; CP04140™, a low barrier (high OTR) material used in produce packaging, CPM4090, a microwaveable packaging film for fresh cut produce; and T7225B™, a barrier material used as lidstock (non-forming web) for products requiring a high oxygen barrier, such as luncheon meat. These are all commercial products produced by the Cryovac business unit of Sealed Air Corporation.

H7225B™ is a laminate having the construction PET//adhesive//coextruded barrier film, where the PET is a biaxially oriented polyester film, and the barrier film has the construction LDPE (low density polyethylene)/EVA tie/nylon/EVOH+nylon/nylon/EVA tie/EAO. The overall thickness of the laminate can be any of several gauges, being typically about 2.5 mils. The LDPE is the surface of the barrier film adhered, by the adhesive, to the PET film. The EAO typically acts as the heat sealant layer of the film, and finished laminate, and in packaging made from the laminate, the EAO will form the inner or sealant surface of the package, facing the contained product, and the PET will form the outer or skin surface of the package. H7225B™ can be used as a lidstock (non-forming) web.

H7525B™ is a laminate having the construction PET//adhesive//coextruded barrier film, where the PET is a biaxially oriented polyester film, and the barrier film has in one embodiment the construction LDPE (low density polyethylene)/EVA/LLDPE tie/EVOH/LLDPE tie/EVA/EAO. The overall thickness of the laminate can be any of several gauges, being typically about 2.5 mils. The LDPE is the surface of the barrier film adhered, by the adhesive, to the PET film. The EAO typically acts as the heat sealant layer of the film, and finished laminate, and in packaging made from the laminate, the EAO will form the inner or sealant surface of the package, facing the contained product, and the PET will form the outer or skin CP04140™ is a laminate having the construction BOPP//adhesive/monolayer LLDPE film. A typical gauge for the laminate is about 1.8 mils. The LLDPE typically acts as the heat sealant layer of the finished laminate, and in packaging made from the laminate, the LLDPE will form the inner or sealant surface of the package, facing the contained product, and the BOPP will form the outer or skin surface of the package.

CPM4090™ is a laminate having the construction BOPP//adhesive/monolayer LLDPE+LDPE film. A typical gauge for the laminate is about 2 mils. The LLDPE+LDPE layer typically acts as the heat sealant layer of the finished laminate, and in packaging made from the laminate, the LLDPE+LDPE will form the inner or sealant surface of the package, facing the contained product, and the BOPP will form the outer or skin surface of the package.

T7225B™ film has the construction EAO/EAO/LLDPE tie/nylon/EVOH/nylon/EVA tie/EVA tie/nylon. The first layer of EAO typically acts as the heat sealant layer of the film, and in packaging made from the laminate, the EAO will form the inner or sealant surface of the package, facing the contained product, and the nylon of the last layer will form the outer or skin surface of the package.

Referring to the drawings, the first side panel 12 has a top portion 9, a first side edge 31, a second side edge 33, and a lower portion 17. The second side panel 14 has a top portion 11, a first side edge 35, a second side edge 37, and a lower portion 18. The first and second side panels 12 and 14 are joined together along their respective first and second side edges by either a seal or a fold. As shown, first side edge 31 of first side panel 12 is joined to first side edge 35 of second side panel 14 by a seal 30. Second side edge 33 of first side panel 12 is joined to second side edge 37 of second side panel 14 by a heat seal 32. The second end 34 of the pouch 7 can be either a seal or a fold. Where a single web is used to make the pouch, second end 34 will typically be a fold, although even after the web is folded, a seal such as a heat seal can optionally be installed in the area of the fold. Where two webs of film are used to make panels 12 and 14, second end 34 will be a seal that joins panels 12 and 14 together along their respective lower portions 17 and 18. The two webs can be from the same material, or can be different in composition, structure, etc.

B. Discrete Laminate

A discrete laminate 4 includes a panel section 6 (see FIG. 2A) having an outer surface 66 and inner surface 67, and a base strip 10 sealed to the panel section 6. Any of the laminate, panel section, and base strip can be of any suitable dimension and shape, and will typically be longer in length than in width, with the length being e.g. greater than two times the width, e.g. greater than 3, 4, or 5 times the width. A typical dimension for the discrete laminate is a width of from about 1 to 1.5 inches and a length of about 4 to 10 inches. The strip 10 will be shorter in one dimension than the pouch and package. For example, the strip can extend across the transverse width of a pouch made in e.g. a HFFS or VFFS process, but will be significantly narrower than the length of the package (see e.g. FIGS. 3 and 4). In one embodiment, the strip will occupy less than 50%, such as less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10% of the length of the package.

In some embodiments, an opening flap 26 (e.g. FIGS. 28C and 28D) provides a device that can be manually grasped and pulled back to open the package, and access the contents of the package. The size of the package, type of materials used for the pouch and the strip, the seal strength of the materials used in the strip, and the type of product being packaged can all have some effect on the choice of the optimal length and dimensions of flap 26.

Base strip 10 comprises a first surface 23 and a second surface 25, each of these first and second surfaces comprising a sealant, at least one of the first and second surfaces comprising an easy open sealant.

The first surface 23 is sealed to the inner surface 27 of the first side panel 12, and the second surface 25 is sealed to the inner surface 29 of the second side panel 14.

The film strip can be of multilayer or monolayer construction.

When a product 24 is placed in the pouch 7, by any suitable process such as processes herein disclosed, and the pouch 7 is closed, the package 5 is made.

Any suitable materials, including those disclosed herein for web or webs for making the first and side panels, e.g. a thermoplastic material of any suitable composition, monolayer or multilayer in construction, coextruded, laminated, or made by any suitable film making process, and of any suitable thickness, including hybrid materials of the type described herein for web materials, e.g. H7225B or a non-barrier analog of such material, can be used to make each of the panel section 6 and base strip 10.

The discrete laminate 4 is anchored to the first side panel. In one embodiment, base strip 10 is anchored to the inner surface 27 of first side panel 12 in anchor region “A”.

In embodiments disclosed in the drawings, the first portion of the first outer surface of the base strip is closer to the first end of the pouch than the second portion. The second portion of the first surface is anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel at anchor region “A”.

Alternatively, discrete laminate 4 is anchored to the first side panel by sealing a second part of the inner surface 67 of panel section 6 to the outer surface 65 of first side panel 12.

C. Opening Mechanisms and Strip Construction The package of the invention can be easily manually opened. Any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms for obtaining this functionality and feature can be used according to the invention. The following are examples of such mechanisms.

-   -   1. Adhesive Failure

In this embodiment, second surface 25 of base strip 10 and inner surface 29 of second side panel 14 each comprises a polymeric composition that, when surface 25 is sealed to surface 29, forms an easy-open seal. This seal provides an interface that breaks apart upon manually opening the package. The interlaminar bonds between layers of the base strip itself (where the strip is of multilayer construction), the cohesive strength of each layer within the strip or of the single layer of a monolayer strip, and the anchor that holds first surface 23 of base strip 10 to inner surface 27, are stronger than the seal that holds surface 25 to surface 29.

In some embodiments, the polymeric composition of surfaces 25 and 29 will be the same or similar. Useful in these embodiments are the peel systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,189,519 (Ticknor) (blend of EVA or EMA or EEA with crystalline isotactic polybutylene, and optionally with anhydride grafted EVA); 4,252,846 (Romesberg et al.) (blend of EVA and HDPE, optionally with IO or polybutylene (PBU)); 4,550,141 (Hoh) (blend of IO and polypropylene/ethylene copolymer (EPC)); 4,666,778 (Hwo) (three component blend of PE, that can be LLDPE, LDPE, MDPE, or HDPE, or EVA or EMA, with PBU, and PP or EPC); 4,882,229 (Hwo) (butene-1 polymer or copolymer blended with modified or unmodified LDPE); 4,916,190 (Hwo) (blend of butylene polymer or copolymer, with PE polymer or copolymer (LLDPE, LDPE, MDPE, EVA, EMA, EEA, EBA, or HDPE), with propylene polymer or copolymer); 4,937,139 (Genske, et al.) (propylene polymer or copolymer blended with HDPE); 5,547,752 (Yanidis) (blend of PBU and IO); and 5,997,968 (Dries et al.)(blend of Component 1 (a copolymer of ethylene and propylene or ethylene and butylene or propylene and butylene or ethylene and another -olefin having 5 to 10 carbon atoms or propylene and another -olefin having 5 to 10 carbon atoms or a terpolymer of ethylene and propylene and butylene or ethylene and propylene and another -olefin having 5 to 10 carbon atoms) and Component 2 (HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, LLDPE or VLDPE); these U.S. patents all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In other embodiments, the composition of surfaces 25 and 29 will differ, i.e. dissimilar sealants are used. Useful in these embodiments are the peel systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,655,503 (Stanley et al.) (LDPE or MDPE sealed to polypropylene (PP), EPC, saran, nylon 6, polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene oxide (PEO); PP sealed to saran, nylon 6, PC, PVC, PEO, IO, phenoxy, or EVA; or nylon sealed to IO); 4,729,476 (Lulham et al.) (a blend of EVA and IO sealed to IO); 4,784,885 (Carespodi) (PP, HDPE, or LLDPE sealed to substantially linear PE (HDPE, LLDPE) blended with a polyolefinic thermoplastic elastomer such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), EPM, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, and styrene butadiene rubber); 4,859,514 ((Friedrich et al.) (IO or IO blended with EVA, sealed to a blend of EVA and ethylene butene copolymer (EBC) and PP); 5,023,121 (Pockat, et al.) (a blend of PBU and PP and a third polymeric material selected from EVA, LDPE, LDPE, and IO, sealed to EVA, LDPE, LLDPE, or IO); these U.S. patents all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

-   -   2. Delamination Failure

In this embodiment, one of the interlaminar bonds between layers of the base strip itself (where the strip is of multilayer construction) can be broken. Thus, the interlaminar bond provides the interface that will break apart upon manually opening the package. The seal between surfaces 25 and 29, and between surfaces 23 and 27, and the cohesive strength of each layer within the strip, are stronger than the interlaminar bond. Useful in this embodiment are the peel systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,409 (Busche et al.), this patent incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

-   -   3. Cohesive Failure In this embodiment, one of the layers of the         base strip itself (where the strip is of multilayer         construction) or the monolayer base strip, fractures when the         package is opened. The seal between surfaces 25 and 29, and         between surfaces 23 and 27, and the interlaminar bonds between         layers of the strip itself (where the strip is of multilayer         construction) are stronger than the layer that fractures. Useful         in this embodiment is the peel system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.         6,476,137 (Longo) (internal rupture of a sealant layer         comprising a blend of an ionomer having a melt flow index of         less than 5, and a modified ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer         having a substantially higher melt flow index, where the melt         flow indices of the two polymers in the seal layer differ by at         least 10), this patent incorporated herein by reference in its         entirety.

Other peel systems useful in connection with the present invention are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,058,632 (Evans et al.), 4,615,926 (Hsu et al.); 5,128,414 (Hwo); 6,395,321 (Schaft et al.), 7,055,683 (Bourque et al.), and US Patent Publication Nos. 20030152669 (Vadhar et al.) and 2008/0260305 (Shah et al.) (disclosing as easy-open sealant), DuPont APPEEL™ resins, such as those based on EVA, modified EVA, EAA, or modified EAA; polyethylenes such as LDPE and/or EVA blended with PP; LDPE or EVA blended with polybutene-1, or random propylene/ethylene copolymer blended with polybutene-1; EVA or LDPE blended with PP; LDPE blended with EVA and PP; such blends provide an easy-open sealant when adhered to polyethylene sealants); these U.S. patents and publications all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The base strip 10 can have any suitable number of layers. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a strip 10 has two layers. Layer 20 comprises a polymeric composition that in one embodiment provides an easy-open seal when sealed at surface 25 to inner surface 29. Layer 22 comprises a polymeric composition that exhibits a relatively strong seal when sealed at surface 23 to inner surface 27. In any strip construction, alternatively layer 22 or its equivalent can provide the easy-open seal, and layer 20 or its equivalent can provide the relatively strong seal, when sealed to respective web inner surfaces. Alternatively, both 20 and 22 or their equivalents provide an easy-open seal.

In an alternative embodiment, a seal between surfaces 23 and 67 can function as the easy-open seal in accordance with any of the herein described opening mechanisms.

Alternatively, (FIG. 5), base strip 10 is of monolayer construction. Layer 20 comprises a polymeric composition and includes first outer surface 23 and second outer surface 25 that can be like those disclosed herein for a multilayer base strip.

Referring to FIG. 2A, panel section 6 includes at least one die cut 21. Strip 10 is sealed to a portion of the inner surface 67 of panel section 6. During manufacture of the package, another portion of the strip 10 is anchored to a portion of first side panel 12. In one embodiment, strip 10 is anchored to the inner surface 27, e.g. with a relatively strong heat seal, at anchor region “A”. The second surface 25 of strip 10 is in one embodiment sealed to inner surface 29 of second side panel 14 with an easy-open seal.

A representative film structure “A1” suitable for use as the base strip 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, this film has the composition shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 (Example 1) Gauge Gauge Gauge Layer Composition (thickness %) (mils) (μm) 122 EZ1 25.00 0.50 12.7 118 AD1 7.50 0.15 3.8 114 80% NY1 + 7.50 0.15 3.8 20% NY2 112 OB1 10.0 0.20 5.1 116 80% NY1 + 7.50 0.15 3.8 20% NY2 120 AD1 7.50 0.15 3.8 124 65% AD2 + 17.50 0.35 8.9 35% PE1 128 PE1 17.50 0.35 8.9

This example of a material suitable as the base strip 10 is a barrier film with an easy-open sealant, and is currently used as a barrier/easy-open component of various laminated materials that also include a polyester film component, sold commercially by the Cryovac business unit of Sealed Air Corporation, under designations including H52XXBZ, and H72XXBZ. These are sold as primary packaging materials, i.e. webs that form the main body of the package, not as discrete laminates to be used in combination with a primary web.

When used according to the invention, the easy-open sealant layer 122 of A1 exhibits a peel force of typically about 2 pounds/inch (ASTM F88). Layer 128 of A1 yields a peel force of typically 8 pounds/inch.

The resins disclosed in Table 1 are identified in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Material Tradename Or Code Designation Source(s) AD1 PLEXAR ™PX1007 ™ Equistar AD2 BYNEL ™39E660 ™ DuPont EZ1 APPEEL ™72D727 DuPont NY1 ULTRAMID ™ B33 01 BASF NY2 GRIVORY ™ G21 EMS OB1 SOARNOL ™ ET3803 Nippon Gohsei PE1 PE ™1042cs15 Flint Hills AD1 is a maleic anhydride modified EVA that acts as a polymeric adhesive (tie layer material). AD2 is a maleic anhydride modified EVA that acts as a polymeric adhesive (tie layer material). EZ1 is a compound polymer blend of 65% ionomer (SURLYN ™ 1650SB), 30% EVA (ELVAX ™ 3134Q), and 5% polybutylene (MONTELL ™ PB8640), each by weight of the blend. NY1 is nylon 6 (polycaprolactam). NY2 is an amorphous copolyamide (6I/6T) derived from hexamethylene diamine, isophthalic acid, and terephthalic acid. OB1 is EVOH with about 38 mole % ethylene. PE1 is LDPE.

Example 1 as shown has a total thickness ranging from about 2.0 mils to 3.5 mils.

Core layer 112 of the above film structure can comprise any suitable oxygen barrier material, such as EVOH, and can be blended in any suitable proportion with other polymeric materials or organic or inorganic additives as desired. In one embodiment, intermediate layers 114 and 116 can each comprise 100% semicrystalline polyamide such as nylon 6.

In another embodiment, Intermediate layers 114 and 116 each comprise a blend of an amorphous polyamide and a semicrystalline polyamide.

Tie layers 118 and 120 can comprise any suitable polymeric adhesive that functions to bond two layers together, e.g. EVA, EAO, LDPE, EMA, and anhydride grafted derivatives of these polymers. Tie layers 118 and 120 can be the same, or can differ.

Bulk layer 124 can comprise a suitable polyolefin, such as an EAO; and/or a polymeric adhesive such as those disclosed herein for tie layers 118 and 120.

In one embodiment, first outer layer 122 functions as an easy-open sealant layer of the film, and provides a surface 25 that can be sealed to the inner surface 29. Layer 122 can comprise any suitable material or blend of materials that provides an easy-open peelable seal when adhered to the inner surface 29. Layer 122 comprises EZ1 or any suitable resin or resin blend that provides an easy-open peelable sealant.

Second outer layer 128 can function as a sealant layer of the film, and provides a surface 23 that can be sealed to the inner surfaces 27 and 67. Layer 128 can comprise any suitable material or blend of materials that provides a relatively strong seal when adhered to inner surfaces 27 and 67. Layer 128 comprises PE1 or any EAO such as EXACT™ 3024, a single-site catalyzed linear ethylene/butene copolymer from ExxonMobil with a density of 0.905 g/cc; or AFFINITY™ PL 1888G, a single-site catalyzed branched ethylene/octene copolymer from Dow with a density of 0.9035 g/cc.

Additional materials that can optionally be incorporated into one or more of the film layers, as appropriate, include antiblock agents, slip agents, antifog agents, fillers, pigments, dyestuffs, antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, plasticizers, fire retardants, UV absorbers, etc.

Alternatively, layer 122 can be sealed to inner surfaces 27 and 67, and layer 128 can be sealed to inner surface 29.

In general, strip 10 can have any total thickness desired, and each layer can have any thickness desired, so long as the strip and package provide the desired functionalities. Typical total film thicknesses are from 0.1 mils to 15 mils, such as 0.2 to 12 mils, such as 0.5 mils to 10 mils, 0.8 mils to 8 mils, and 1 mil to 4 mils. Suitable gauges include 1.5 mils, 2 mils (as in Example 1); and 3 mils.

Thus, by way of example, FIG. 7 shows, in another embodiment, a two layer film 210 having a first outer layer 222 compositionally and functionally like layer 122 of FIG. 6, with a first outer surface 225; and having a second outer layer 228 compositionally and functionally like layer 128 of FIG. 6, with a second outer surface 223.

Two, three, four, five, six, seven, and eight layer films can thus alternatively be produced, that each include the layers described above with respect to the film strip of FIG. 7, with additional layers as needed, using suitable polymers such as olefin homopolymers or copolymers.

In some embodiments, such as the base strip of FIG. 7, an oxygen barrier layer is not necessary, for example in the packaging of produce. In these embodiments, the web or webs that comprise the pouch will typically also not have an oxygen barrier layer. In contrast, embodiments of film strip 10 that include an oxygen barrier layer will typically be suitable in connection with web or webs for the pouch that include an oxygen barrier layer.

FIG. 2B is similar to FIG. 2A, but in which 1) the surface of the strip providing an easy-open seal faces the inner surface 27 instead of inner surface 29; 2) a portion of the strip is sealed to a portion of the inner surface 27 with an easy-open seal, at anchor region “A”, 3) another portion of the strip is optionally sealed to a portion of the inner surface 67 of panel section 6 with an easy-open seal, to ensure hermeticity if needed, and 4) the second surface 25 of strip 10 is not sealed to inner surface 29 of second side panel 14, except by side seals. The embodiment of FIG. 2B offers the benefit of more usable space inside the package, because there is no seal (except at the sides of the package) of surface 25 to surface 29, and therefore more space is available for product.

In some embodiments, in the unopened package, the die cut is completely shadowed (underlain) by the strip 10.

In each of the embodiments of the package and process disclosed herein, a non-hermetic or hermetic package can be made in accordance with the invention.

In one embodiment, layer 20 comprises a sealant that provide a relatively strong seal when layer 20 is sealed to surface 27. An example of a material suitable as a base strip for this embodiment is a barrier film with a sealant that provides a relatively strong seal, and is currently used as a barrier/sealant component of various laminated materials that also include a polyester film component, sold commercially by the Cryovac business unit of Sealed Air Corporation, under designations including H52XXB, and H72XXB. These are sold as primary packaging materials, i.e. webs that form the main body of the package, not as a base strip to be used in combination with a primary web.

At least one open-loop or close-loop die cut is disposed on the panel section. Two or more die cuts can be disposed on the panel section, one at a position closer to the first end of the package than the strip, as well as a second die cut below or in the vicinity of the strip. To open a package, a die-cut segment of material can thus be displaced or entirely removed from the panel section, exposing the upper edge of the base strip anchored to the first side panel 12. This upper edge can then be grasped and pulled up, allowing access to the contents of the package.

2. Method of Making a Package

-   -   A. Horizontal form/fill/seal (HFFS) HFFS packaging systems are         generally well known to those of skill in the packaging         industry, and can be used to make packages of the present         invention.

Referring to FIGS. 8, and 9A through 9C, lay-flat web 300 is unwound from roll 302, then advanced to forming plow 304 to convert lay-flat web 300 to folded web 305 (typically a centerfold film). The second end of each of the pouches to be made will comprise a second end fold 306. Second end fold 306 therefore is equivalent to second end 34 of FIG. 1. This second end fold can be optionally sealed, or left as a folded second end of the pouch. Side seals 308 are made to define a plurality of vertically arranged pouches 309. Each pouch 309 is cut off from the trailing edge of web 300 by an appropriate cutting mechanism (not shown) such as a knife, at position 311, a product (not shown in FIG. 8, but see product 24 in FIGS. 1 to 5) is inserted or dropped into the open mouth 312 of each pouch, and the pouch mouth 312 is then closed by a suitable sealing mechanism such as a heat sealer (not shown) to create a seal 314.

Discrete laminate 310, equivalent to discrete laminate 4 of FIGS. 1 to 5, can be introduced into the HFFS process in a number of ways. For example, discrete laminate 310 can be unwound from a roll 315 in the vicinity of roll 302, and disposed on lay-flat web 300 prior to, or as web 300 is being folded into folded web 305. The discrete laminate is disposed on the web such that the discrete laminate overlaps the lay-flat web sufficient to allow the discrete laminate to be anchored to the web.

In an alternative arrangement, the base strip and panel section can each be provided on a separate roll, and then assembled into a discrete laminate on the packaging machine at the time the package is to be made.

Discrete laminate 310 includes a base strip, a first portion of the first surface of the base sealed to the panel section (see FIG. 2A). The first portion is closer to a longitudinal end of the pouch, e.g. the first end of the pouch, than the second portion. The panel section includes die cut(s) made in a predetermined pattern (see FIGS. 29A to 29F) to produce packages according to the invention. The second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored to the inner surface of the folded web at a second location on the folded web, by a suitable sealing mechanism such as a heat sealer (not shown). Optionally, the second surface of the strip is sealed to the inner surface of the folded web. Discrete laminate 310 would thus be installed on the pouch in the same overall HFFS process that achieves production of the pouch, loading of a product into the pouch, and completion of the final package. Discrete laminate 310 is incorporated onto the pouch material and after cutting and sealing as described hereinabove, comprises an extension of the first side panel of each pouch as shown in FIGS. 8, and FIGS. 1 to 5.

Alternatively, and referring to FIG. 9A, discrete laminate 310 is shown as being installed on the lay-flat web prior to the start of the HFFS packaging process. This can be accomplished off-site from the processor, e.g. by the supplier of the web roll 302.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a section of folded web as shown in the HFFS process and apparatus of FIGS. 8 and 9A, as the lay-flat web is folded to create folded web 305. The discrete laminate 310 is shown disposed, and optionally attached to, an inner surface 27 of one panel 12 of the folded web 305, such that upon sealing the web to create a pouch, the discrete laminate functions as an extension of the panel.

The embodiment of FIG. 9C is similar to FIG. 9B, but additionally shows an optional gusset 400 that can be made in the second end fold 306 of the folded web. The gusset can be optionally thereafter heat sealed. A gusseted second end provides a stand-up pouch feature in the final package. Gusseting can be accomplished by any suitable means known to those of skill in the art, such as a second forming plow (not shown) placed in-line in the manufacturing line at a position downstream of the forming plow 304. The bottom area of the folded web takes on a generally “W” shape, i.e. a gusseted shape, in cross-section, with the outside legs of the “W” extending upwardly, and two parallel reverse folds to create the gusseted bottom. Seal opening or holes are previously punched in the inner legs of the “W” shape and aligned with one another so that the two outside plies can be sealed together through these holes. When the seals are made the panels are sealed to one another through the holes. One or more static plows may be mounted above the seal zone to form the gussets. Gusset holes can be die punched by a die at a hole-punch station which punches clearance holes at an appropriate position designed to be in general alignment with the side seal, adding rigidity to the gusset portion of the final package. This added rigidity enables the final package to stand up by itself when placed on a flat surface.

-   -   B. Vertical form/fill/seal (VFFS)

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a VFFS apparatus that can be used in conjunction with the apparatus and process according to some embodiments of the present invention. VFFS packaging systems are generally well known to those of skill in the art, and described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,589,247 (Tsuruta et al), 4,656,818 (Shimoyama et al.), 4,768,411 (Su), and 4,808,010 (Vogan), all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Apparatus 40 utilizes a lay-flat web 41 as a rollstock. Product 42 is manually or mechanically supplied to apparatus 40 from a source (not illustrated), from which a predetermined quantity of product 42 reaches the upper end portion of forming tube 44 via funnel 43, or other conventional means. The packages are formed in a lower portion of apparatus 40, and web 41 from which the packages are formed is fed from feed roll 51 over certain forming bars (not illustrated), is wrapped about forming tube 44 (sometimes known as a “sailor's collar” or “forming collar”) and is provided with a longitudinal fin seal or lap seal 47 by longitudinal heat sealing device 46, resulting in the formation of a vertically-oriented folded web in the form of a tube 48. Transverse heat seal bars 45 operate to close and seal horizontally across the lower end of vertically-sealed tube 48, to form a pouch 49 which is thereafter packed with product 42. Film drive belts 52, powered and directed by rollers, as illustrated, or by suitable alternative motive means, advance tube 48 and pouch 49 a predetermined distance, after which seal bars 45 close and simultaneously seal horizontally across the lower end of vertically-sealed tube 48 as well as simultaneously sealing horizontally across upper end of sealed pouch 49, to form a product packaged in sealed pouch 49. The next pouch 50, thereabove, is then filled with a metered quantity of product 42, forwarded, and the packaging cycle is repeated. It is conventional to incorporate with the seal bars 45 a cut-off knife (not shown) which operates to sever a lower sealed pouch 49 from the bottom of upstream pouch 50.

Lay-flat web 41 of FIGS. 10 and 11 will in operation travel upward, e.g. vertically upward from roll 51 to the forming tube 44, and then downward, e.g. vertically downward for the remaining process steps. Discrete laminate 54 is unwound from roll 51 (FIG. 12) to dispose discrete laminate 54 in overlapping relationship onto web 41 before, or as, web 41 is wrapped about forming tube 44. Longitudinal seal 47 is made, and discrete laminate 54 is aligned with and attached to the longitudinal edge of the folded web.

FIG. 12 discloses the roll 51 of lay-flat web 41 according to one embodiment of the invention. Discrete laminate 54 is fed from roll 53 onto a portion of lay-flat web 41.

Alternatively, and referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, discrete laminate 54 is already installed on the lay-flat web prior to the start of the VFFS packaging process. This can be accomplished off-site from the processor, e.g. by the supplier of the feed roll 51.

The discrete laminate includes die cuts on the panel section of the discrete laminate, the die cuts made in a predetermined pattern (see FIGS. 28A to 29F) to produce packages according to the invention.

In some embodiments, at least one of the web and the discrete laminate carries a registration device. Printed indicia can be in the form of registration marks, such as eyespots. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the use of eye-spots and registration marks in processing web material in packaging operations. Registration marks are printed in uniformly spaced fashion along or near an edge of the web or discrete laminate, and facilitate the controlled production of packages of the invention, and can be printed in conjunction with other decorative printing.

FIG. 14 shows a discrete laminate 4 of the invention, which can be used in the various processes and packages disclosed herein, e.g. as a discrete laminate 54 of FIGS. 12 and 13. Discrete laminate 4 includes base strip 10 sealed to panel section 6 including die cut(s) 21.

FIG. 15 shows a discrete laminate 54 of the invention (see also FIG. 12) that has been anchored to lay-flat web 41. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the discrete laminate is anchored to the lay-flat web at a second portion of a first surface of base strip 10. Joint 13 represents the gap between and juxtaposition of a second end of panel section 6, and a first longitudinal edge 63 of the lay-flat web that will become a first end of first side panel 12 in the package of the invention. The exact dimension of joint 13 can vary depending on manufacturing tolerances when combining the discrete laminate with a web.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show a discrete laminate 4 in accordance with the invention. The discrete laminate includes a panel section 6 including an outer surface 355, an inner surface 356, a first side edge 353, a second side edge 354, a first end 351, a second end 352, and a die cut 21; and a base strip 10 including a first surface 361, a second surface 362, a first side edge 360, a second side edge 359, a first end 357, and a second end 358. Each of the components of discrete laminate 4 can have any suitable dimensions, and in some embodiments base strip 10 and panel section 6 can be congruent, provided that the first end 351 of panel section 6 extends beyond the first end 357 of base strip 10. As shown in FIG. 32, base strip 10 includes a splice area “S” that extends beyond the second end 352 of panel section 6; and panel section 6 includes an area that extends beyond the first end 357 of base strip 10. These extended areas in some embodiments serve as areas that can be anchored to a web or first side panel of a package of the invention; or, in the case of the panel section, serve as an upper or end portion extension of a first side panel of a package that can function as part of an opening or removable flap, or as a component that can be sealed to the second side panel. In some embodiments, both the first and second ends of the panel section can extend beyond the first and second ends respectively of the base strip.

Although for purposes of illustration FIG. 32 shows the first and side edges of the base strip as extending beyond the first and side edges of the panel section, typically in packages of the invention the first and second side edges of the panel section will be congruent with the first and second edges respectively of the base strip.

In FIG. 16, a leading or downstream pouch “L” includes a transverse bottom and top seals 78, folded side edges 81 and 82, and longitudinal seal 47. Trailing or upstream pouch “T” has features similar to leading pouch “L”. Leading pouch “L” is severed from upstream pouch “T” at cut line 80, and the seals 78 are made by suitable sealing equipment commonly used in VFFS packaging processes, such as heat sealing equipment, not shown. For the sake of clarity, die cuts 21, present in the first side panel of the package, are not shown in all of the drawings. The discrete laminate is not shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 shows folded web 500 with a discrete laminate 502 anchored to the folded web, and fin seal 501, formed as disclosed hereinabove, and prior to a step of making transverse seals in the folded web. A finished package made according to FIG. 17 will thus look like the packages of FIGS. 3 and 4, when these are viewed at right angles to their position in FIGS. 3 and 4, i.e. with the discrete laminate 4 to the right side of each package, and the second end 34 representing a fold. The embodiment of FIG. 17 thus provides a method of producing packages on a VFFS apparatus where the longitudinal seal of the package effectively becomes the first end of the finished package (discounting any unsealed material between the longitudinal seal and the top edge of the package). The apparatus and methodology of U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,073 (Caudle) this patent incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, can be utilized in combination with the teachings herein, to produce packages according to this embodiment. A point of distinction is that in the present invention, the transverse seals will typically (although not necessarily) be rectilinear, whereas the trans-verse seals disclosed in Caudle '073 are wavy or sinusoidal.

Alternatively (FIG. 18), a package like the embodiment of FIG. 17 is shown, but where a lap seal 503 is shown. In this as well as the other processes disclosed herein, a lap seal can be used in lieu of a fin seal when making a longitudinal seal according to the invention. A finished package 5 according to FIG. 18 has a product therein; the two longitudinal ends of the package are closed by a transverse seal; the lap seal runs down the middle or spine of the package, bounded on both ends by the transverse seals; and the discrete laminate is anchored to an interior surface of the folded web.

-   -   C. Lidstock/Formed Web

FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 illustrate in another embodiment the use of a formed web, e.g. a tray, and a non-formed web, e.g. a lidstock, used in connection with the invention. Tray 602 will typically be made during the packaging process. Thermoforming equipment, available from e.g. Multivac, Tiromat, Ulma or Rapid Pak, is used to convert flat thermoplastic forming web into formed pockets to create trays for containing product such as food, various industrial and consumer items and sterile medical products. Trays are formed from a lower web by heat and pressure, and can be loaded with product manually or automatically on the machine. After that, the packages are vacuumized or backflushed with modified atmosphere (if required), hermetically sealed to an upper web, separated, and removed for distribution or storage. Alternatively, pre-formed trays can be used.

Each tray 602 has a tray bottom 604, tray sides 606, and a tray flange 608 along its perimeter to which the lidstock 612 can be sealed by heat or other means. Tray bottom 604 and tray sides 606 define tray cavity 610. Prior to any thermoforming step, tray 602 can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. from 2 to 30 mils thick, and any suitable construction.

If a pre-made tray is used according to the invention, it can be rigid or semi-rigid, can be in the form of a flat or shaped tray, and can be made from any suitable material, including solid or expanded embodiments, such as PP, polystyrene, polyamide, 1,4-polymethylpentene (e.g. TPX™ available from Mitsui), or crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET). A tray liner can optionally be used that adheres to the surface of the pre-made tray on which the product is to be placed. This liner can be of any suitable design, and can be a multi-layer structure with at least one layer with gas-barrier properties. Such a liner can be adhered to the tray by heat lamination, extrusion lamination, extrusion coating, adhesives, corona treatment, etc. Tray 602 can be a flexible or semi-rigid, or rigid formed web.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a package 600 includes tray 602 to which lidstock 612 has been sealed with perimeter seal 614. Lidstock 612 includes a lay-flat web 611 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) formulated to function as a lid on a formed web, and can be any suitable monolayer or multilayer thermoplastic film as described herein with respect to webs useful in connection with the present invention. Lidstock 612 also includes discrete laminate 616 having an easy-open sealant on one surface thereof, and a sealant on a second surface thereof. Discrete laminate 616 has the easy-open characteristics and composition discussed herein with respect to the discrete laminate of HFFS or VFFS packages. The panel section at die cut 621 (see also FIG. 29A) can be pulled back manually toward the end of the package, along hinge line 58, and the first side panel is grasped so that the package is easily opened and product can be removed as desired.

In some embodiments, the die cut can be a closed-loop die cut that can be completely removed when opening the package.

Referring to FIG. 22, discrete laminate 616 has a first lateral edge 111. As shown, discrete laminate 616 has been anchored to the lay-flat web 611 to produce lidstock 612. Dotted lines 107 indicate the location at which lidstock 612 is sealed and cut, e.g. perimeter heat sealed and cut, in registered fashion by otherwise conventional means as discussed herein, e.g. in thermoforming equipment, to create individual packages. Lines 107 represent what will become the side edges and seals of individual packages when lidstock 612 is advanced into a packaging system where it is progressively fed over filled trays, sealed to the trays, and cut to create finished packages. Lines 111 and 140 also represent what will become the first and second end respectively of individual packages. Lay-flat web 611, as rolled up, and as it feeds into thermoforming equipment, has a first lateral edge 140. Discrete laminate 616 can be preanchored on lay-flat web 611 by the supplier of the lidstock, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 9A, 11 and 13. Alternatively, discrete laminate 616 can be anchored to the lay-flat web 611 during the packaging process, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 8, 10, and 12.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 22, in which the lidstock is produced as described above, but “two across”, so that when run in a packaging machine, with suitable machine die set-ups, two, four, etc. packages can be made simultaneously. In addition to the seal and cut steps at locations 107, the web is cut longitudinally along line 121, so that individual packages made from the longitudinal portion “X” of FIG. 23 will have a second end 121; and individual packages made from the longitudinal portion “Y” of FIG. 23 will have a second end 121.

-   -   D. Continuous horizontal packaging

In another embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the package of the invention can be made using a continuous HFFS process and apparatus such as those used for packaging bakery and other goods, sometimes known as Flow Wrap, Flow-Wrap or Flow wrapping machines or systems, and available from manufacturers/suppliers such as Ilapak, ULMA, and Bosch.

FIG. 25 shows such a process and apparatus 700, but one in which a discrete laminate 724 is installed into a package. Lay-flat web 702 is drawn from roll 704 and advanced to forming device 710. As this occurs, a series of products 706 is advanced along conveyor 708 to forming device 710, and discrete laminate 724 is drawn from roll 726 and advanced to forming device 710. Web 702, with the discrete laminate in some embodiments anchored thereto either before or during forming of the web in the forming device, is formed by forming device 710 into folded web 712. This folded web will be like the folded web described above with respect to VFFS embodiments, but in a substantially horizontal orientation. Folded web 712 wraps around products 706. A longitudinal sealing device that can be part of forming device 710 forms a lap or fin seal (of the type disclosed above with respect to VFFS embodiments) on the folded web, typically at the bottom of the folded web. The lap or fin seal is typically a heat seal. An alternative is to have a separate sealing device 714 to produce the lap or fin seal. The products travel downstream from forming device 710 or sealing device 714 to transverse sealing device 716 where the folded web is transversely sealed in areas of the folded web between adjacent products. Such seals are typically heat seals. The products are advanced from transverse sealing device 716 to cutting device 718 a and 718 b, where the formed and longitudinally and transversely sealed folded web is severed in areas of the folded web between adjacent products, in or near the transverse seals, such that individual packages 720 are produced.

Alternatively, the sealing function of transverse sealing device 716 and the cutting function of cutting device 718 a and 718 b can be combined at a single station, rather than being performed at separate locations on the production path.

Web 702 and discrete laminate 724 can be of any suitable dimension and composition, such as those disclosed herein. As discrete laminate 724 is fed to forming device 710, it can be brought into contact with, and optionally anchored to a surface of web 702. This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, where discrete laminate 724 is shown as anchored to web 702 as it progresses toward forming device 710. First longitudinal edge 703 of discrete laminate 724 can be seen in FIG. 26. Alternatively, discrete laminate 724 can be fed into forming device 710, and then incorporated into folded web 712 by anchoring the discrete laminate to the interior surface of the web adjacent to the area of the formed web in which the lap or fin seal is made, and in a manner and format analogous to the embodiment of the VFFS pouch and package of FIGS. 10, 17 and 18, but in a horizontal rather than vertical position. In another embodiment, discrete laminate 724 can be pre-applied to web 702 by the supplier of the web, analogous to the embodiment of the VFFS pouch and package of FIG. 13, and the HFFS pouch and process of FIG. 9A.

-   -   E. Side Seal Bags

In one embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, the package of the invention can be made using otherwise conventional bag making equipment and processes. Bags are often made as side seal bags. The side seal bag has a factory-made heat seal at opposite bag edges. The bag bottom is formed by one of two folds of film created during the extrusion of bag tubing during manufacture. The opposite fold of film is slit to form a bag mouth. The bag is typically made from a long length of bag tubing. A method of making side seal bags is disclosed in US 2008/0138478 A1 (Ebner et al.), this patent incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate bag 180. FIG. 33 illustrates a side seal bag 180, in a lay-flat view; FIG. 34 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken through section 34-34 of FIG. 33. With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34 together, side seal bag 180 comprises a web 182, first edge 184 defining an open mouth, edge fold 190, first side seal 192, and second side seal 194. Discrete laminate 191 is installed on the individual bag, or on a slit bag tube that is then cut and sealed at predetermined intervals to make a series of side seal bags 180, by any suitable process such as any of those disclosed herein.

A bag can be made by extruding a thermoplastic tube to make a bag tubing; slitting the tubing at one longitudinal edge thereof to make a slit bag tubing; anchoring the discrete laminate as described herein to the slit bag tubing; and transversely cutting and sealing the bag tubing at predetermined intervals to make a plurality of individual bags each with the discrete laminate disposed thereon. The discrete laminate can function as described herein for other embodiments and processes, in providing an easy-open package. Some of the steps set out in US 2008/0138478 A1, for making a bag, are optional with respect to the present invention; such steps including irradiation and orientation of the tubing.

The discrete laminate can be anchored to the first side panel of a web, pouch, or package in a number of different configurations. An example is that shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatives are shown in FIGS. 35 to 38.

FIG. 35 shows the discrete laminate anchored to the first side panel 12 by anchoring a second part of the outer surface 66 of panel section 6 to the inner surface 27 of first side panel 12.

FIG. 36 shows the discrete laminate anchored to the first side panel 12 by anchoring a second portion of the first surface 23 of the base strip 10 to the inner surface 27 of first side panel 12, and/or a second part of the inner surface 67 of panel section 6 to the outer surface 59 of first side panel 12.

FIG. 37 shows the discrete laminate anchored to the first side panel 12 by anchoring a second part of the inner surface 67 of panel section 6 to the outer surface 59 of first side panel 12. A joint 13 defines the juxtaposition of the second end of base strip 10 and the first end of first side panel 12.

FIG. 38 shows the discrete laminate anchored to the first side panel 12 by anchoring a second portion of the second surface 25 of the base strip 10 to the outer surface 59 of first side panel 12.

For each of these alternatives, in the event that the anchor is in the form of a seal, appropriate sealants should be present at surfaces to be anchored by sealing.

Method of Operation

In opening the package of FIGS. 27A to 27C, die-cut segment 56 defined by a first closed-loop die cut 21 (see also FIGS. 28A to 29F) is manually grasped and pulled from the first side panel. The first end of strip 10 is then grasped and pulled away from the second side panel 14, breaking through the easy-open seal to access product in the interior 57 of the package. During this opening sequence, the anchor in region “A” between surface 23 and surface 27 of first side panel 12 will typically remain intact, such that a portion of the strip 10 stays on and in contact with surface 27. More than one die cut can be present. The die cut is in some embodiments close-looped, i.e. the die cut defines a die-cut segment that can be displaced or completely removed from the first side panel of the package. A second die cut can also be close-looped, or can be open-looped and hinged such that the flap formed by a second die cut and a hinge line can be opened without removing the flap from the first side panel of the package. Alternatively, a single die cut can be used, that is either close-looped (FIGS. 29B, 29E, 29F) or includes a hinge line (FIG. 29C). Each die cut can be of any suitable geometry and depth.

Method Of Making A Die Cut In A Web

A conventional die cutter can be used to create a first die cut 21, and optionally one or more additional die cuts 36 in a web that is used to make panel section 6. Die cuts can be made by any suitable conventional process and equipment. Any suitable pattern of die cut can be used, open or close-looped, as long as it serves the function of providing an easy open package in which the packaged product can be accessed by means of a flap created at least in part by the die cut. Alternative patterns include elliptical, oval, triangular, three side rectangle, hour glass, “dog bone”, and other regular and irregular shapes.

The die cut extends completely through the panel section, or may extend through most of, but not entirely through, the thickness of the panel section. The die cut may extend through e.g. at least 50% of the thickness of panel section 6, e.g. at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% of the thickness of the panel section. A single die cut can have a first portion that extends completely through the panel section (a through-cut), and a second portion that extends partly through the panel section (a score).

A laser system can be configured to produce a laser cut that cuts partly or completely through the panel section, or alternatively, a die cut can be made using a mechanical cutting system using rotary engraved dies, or steel rule dies supported in platens as used in reciprocating presses. The choice of die cutting technique depends on several factors, including the thickness and physical nature of the film or web to be cut.

The die cut may sometimes act as a tamper evident feature.

The die cutting of a web used to produce a panel section, and the assembling of a package incorporated a die cut panel section and a strip, can be done at a single location, but more practically will typically be done at one or more separate locations, with the assembling of the package by a packager using pre-provided discrete laminate prepared elsewhere and provided in advance of the packaging process.

Method Of Applying A Panel Section To A Strip to Make a Discrete Laminate

FIG. 24 shows a method of applying a panel section to a strip to make a discrete laminate, comprising the following steps:

-   -   1) advancing base strip 10 by suitable motive means (not shown,         and well known in the art, such as a motor) from roll 178.     -   2) advancing panel section 6 from roll 176.     -   3) bringing strip 10 and panel section 6 together at nip rolls         181,182, such that the strip is sealed, by a suitable sealing         device (not shown) to the panel section.     -   4) installing a series of die cuts in the panel section at die         cutter 183.     -   5) advancing resulting discrete laminate 4 to take-up roll 185.

The panel section could be die-cut in advance of this process.

In an alternative arrangement, the base strip and panel section can each be provided on a separate roll, and then assembled into a discrete laminate on the packaging machine at the time the package is to be made. The die cuts can be installed in the panel section at any suitable time, e.g. when or after the discrete laminate is assembled, or when or after the panel section is made.

Method of Application of the discrete laminate to a Web

The discrete laminate can be applied to a web such as a lay-flat web in a number of ways.

In one embodiment, the discrete laminate can be completely assembled, either at the package facility where it will be used to make packages, or at a supplier or converter location. The discrete laminate can then be adhered or anchored to a web as disclosed herein. Anchoring in this embodiment is accomplished by sealing an extended second end of the panel section of the discrete laminate to a surface of the web, and/or by anchoring an extended second end of the base strip of the discrete laminate to a surface of the web.

In another embodiment, the panel section and base strip are not brought together initially, and the panel section is sealed to one surface of a web, and the strip is separately anchored to an opposite surface of the web, so that the base strip adheres to an inner surface of the panel section. Either or both of the attachment of the base strip to the web, and the attachment of the panel section to the web, can be done at the location where the package is to be made, or at a separate location, e.g. at a converter, or by the supplier of the panel section, web, and/or base strip. Attachment of the panel section and strip to the web can be done simultaneously, or sequentially with attachment of the panel section either before or after attachment of the strip. In this embodiment, the panel section and strip can be congruent, although they do not have to be.

The above descriptions are those of embodiments of the invention. All parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated or well understood in the art. Except in the claims and the specific examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of material, reaction conditions, use conditions, molecular weights, and/or number of carbon atoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word “about” in describing the broadest scope of the invention. Any reference to an item in the disclosure or to an element in the claim in the singular using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” is not to be construed as limiting the item or element to the singular unless expressly so stated. All references to ASTM tests are to the most recent, currently approved, and published version of the ASTM test identified, as of the priority filing date of this application. Each such published ASTM test method is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Terms referring to polymers, such as polyester, polyamide, and polyolefin, refer herein to both homopolymers and copolymers thereof, unless otherwise specified.

With reference to the drawings, the flow of materials is in the direction of the arrows.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the drawings herein are not necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention may be graphically exaggerated for clarity.

Both the web or webs used in the manufacture of the package according to the invention, and the strip and panel section of the discrete laminate of the invention, can be made by any suitable process, including coextrusion, extrusion coating, extrusion lamination, and conventional lamination using polyurethane or other adhesives. These manufacturing processes are well known in the art. Extrusion can be done in annular or flat dies. The extrudate can be hot blown or cast, and optionally solid-state oriented as desired. Chemical or electronic crosslinking of one or more layers of the webs or the strip can be done. Both web and discrete laminate can be advanced by suitable motive means (not shown, and well known in the art, such as a motor) from their respective rolls.

A package according to the invention can optionally carry printed indicia, which can be decorative or informational in nature. Decorative printed indicia can include a logo, a trademark, product information, etc. with text and/or graphics.

Printed indicia can be in the form of a message e.g. “easy open” or “open here”. This can be printed in scattered process (i.e. registration is not required) on or near the first end of the package. The message is surface printed or reverse printed.

The present invention, including the package and methods as disclosed herein, is provided in several embodiments in the absence of: plastic zipper closures; press-to-close or slide zippers; interlocking closures; reclosable fasteners with interlockable fastener elements; interlocking rib and groove elements having male and female profiles; interlocking alternating hook-shaped closure members, and the like. None of these aforementioned closures, zippers, elements, etc. is present in the package of the invention.

The package of the invention is provided herein in several embodiments in the absence of a PSA layer or coating between the panel section and the base strip.

Although the invention is described in some embodiments herein as a package comprising a thermoplastic pouch comprising a first and second side panel each having a first end, a first side edge, and a second side edge, those skilled in the art will understand, after a review of this disclosure, that in some embodiments, wherein a single web is used, terms such as “second end”, and the like are used for convenience to describe the relative locations or regions on a single web made into a pouch, so that the overall geometry of the package, and relative positions of the various features of the invention can be described. Although the first and second side panels are shown in various embodiments as having the same length, the second side panel can be longer than the first side panel, i.e. extend beyond the first end of the first side panel. The extended portion can accommodate a hang tab with a hole therein.

In some embodiments, a seal can be applied obliquely across the two corners of the panel section of a package of the invention, closest to the first end of the package, such that it crosses over and seals two corners of the base strip to the panel section. These angled seals can be useful in assuring the integrity of the package before initial opening. The angled seal can overlap a portion of the die cut 21 at upper edges of the die cut. Optionally, the die cut can be discontinuous in the regions of the die cut where the angled seals are present.

In embodiments where a hermetic package is desired, a protective easy-open seal can be installed between the panel section and the first surface of the base strip to ensure hermeticity of the package. This is advantageous e.g. in embodiments where the die cut has a through-cut portion to enable easy initiation of removal or displacement of the die-cut segment, and the second surface of the base strip is not sealed to the inner surface of the second side panel (e.g. in the package configuration of FIG. 2B). The protective easy-open seal can be made by any of the materials and processes disclosed herein for easy-open seals and easy-open sealants. In this embodiment, the protective easy-open seal can be placed at any suitable location between a through-cut portion of the die cut, and a scored portion of the die cut (if both are present) to preventingress of air from the external environment to enter the package interior through the die cut.

In packages where the second surface of the base strip is sealed to the inner surface of the second side panel (e.g. in the package configuration of FIG. 2A), the seal between the second surface of the base strip and the inner surface of the second side panel can be an easy-open seal which ensures hermeticity of the package while allowing easy access to the package contents. 

1. An easy-open package comprising: a) a pouch comprising i) a first and second side panel each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges with a seal; ii) a first end; iii) a second end defined by the second ends of the first and second side panels respectively; and iv) a discrete laminate having a first and second end, the discrete laminate comprising (a) a base strip comprising a first and second surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second surfaces of the base strip each comprising a sealant, (b) a panel section comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein a first portion of the first surface of the base strip is sealed to a first part of the inner surface of the panel section, the first end of the panel section is joined to the second side panel, the panel section and the second side panel are joined together along their respective first and second side edges with a seal, the first end of the panel section extends beyond the first end of the base strip, and (c) a die cut disposed in the panel section; wherein at least one of the base strip and the panel section is anchored to the first side panel; and b) a product disposed in the pouch.
 2. The easy-open package of claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the panel section comprises an easy-open sealant.
 3. The easy-open package of claim 1 wherein the first surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant.
 4. The easy-open package of claim 1 wherein a first portion of the die cut is a through-cut, and a second portion of the die cut is a score.
 5. The easy-open package of claim 1 wherein the second surface of the base strip comprises an easy-open sealant.
 6. The package of claim 1 wherein a second part of the outer surface of the panel section is anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel.
 7. The package of claim 1 wherein a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel.
 8. The package of claim 1 wherein a second portion of the first surface of the base strip is anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel, and a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer surface of the first side panel.
 9. The package of claim 1 wherein a second part of the inner surface of the panel section is anchored to the outer surface of the first side panel.
 10. The package of claim 1 wherein a second portion of the second surface of the base strip is anchored to the outer surface of the first side panel.
 11. The package of claim 1 wherein the first end of the panel section, and the first end of the second side panel, are joined together with a seal.
 12. The package of claim 1 wherein the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the second side panel, are joined together with a seal.
 13. The package of claim 1 wherein the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the second side panel, are joined together with a fold.
 14. The package of claim 1 wherein the second end of the base strip extends beyond the second end of the panel section.
 15. The package of claim 1 wherein the second end of the panel section extends beyond the second end of the base strip.
 16. The package of claim 1 wherein the second end of the panel section is co-extensive with the second end of the base strip.
 17. The package of claim 1 wherein the die cut is a closed loop.
 18. The package of claim 1 wherein the package is absent any zipper.
 19. The package of claim 1 wherein the package is absent a repositionable adhesive between the base strip and the panel section.
 20. The package of claim 1 wherein the package can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to 5 pounds/inch. 